Senate Bill 123

Chair's Name: Brooks Coleman

Committee:Education

Senate Sponsor: Chip Rogers

House Sponsor: Brooks Coleman

SB 123 requires schools to place twins or higher multiples in the same classroom if requested to do so by the children's parents or legal guardians. A new section was also added in committee dealing with class-size requirements.

This bill received a Do Pass recommendation from the Education Committee and comes to the House Floor under the Open Rule. 

Secretary Tommy Benton's opinion of this legislation:

WHAT PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY DOES THIS LEGISLATION ADDRESS?

1. It allows for parents of multiples to request that children be placed in same class and instances where they don't have to be.
2. It allows for High Schools to meet maximum class size with 39% leeway.

WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THIS LEGISLATION?

School systems in high growth areas having problems keeping up with classrooms.  This would put into law what is allowed without classrooms averaging.

THIS LEGISLATION:

• Reduces the Tax Burden on our Citizens:

Yes, on local tax payers

• Other:

Allows school systems to better plan for increased enrollment